LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. – An invasion of iguanas has rendered the pool at Lake Worth High School unusable, forcing its closure after the reptiles left behind overwhelming amounts of waste.
The Palm Beach County School District says the pool’s outdated filtration and chemical systems couldn’t keep up with the contamination.
“They’re everywhere,” said one observer, describing the persistent presence of the reptiles.
Around the pool, their impact is evident.
“I’ve seen their excrement here by the pool,” a local resident shared.
The city of Lake Worth Beach has been dealing with iguana issues for years, spending over $100,000 on prevention infrastructure.
Efforts include climb-resistant barriers on power poles and electric fencing, aimed at mitigating damage caused by the invasive reptiles.
“They’re a bigger priority than maybe people realize,” said a city official.
Iguanas have previously caused large-scale problems, including a citywide power outage two years ago that left over 1,400 residents without electricity.
“Unfortunately, they’re a problem that’s here to stay,” another official admitted.
The iguana invasion has also disrupted student activities.
The athletic director at Lake Worth High confirmed that the school hasn’t had a swim team for about three years due to the pool’s closure. At this time, the district has no plans to reopen the facility.
For the students and residents affected, the iguanas are an unavoidable challenge that continues to impact daily life in Lake Worth Beach.